Where should I place an accent rug?

These compact formats suit entryways, bedside floors, hearths, and narrow landings where full-sized carpets overwhelm the floor plan. They also function well as wall-hanging textiles to protect high-traffic surfaces. Because the dimensions are modest, you can easily shift them between rooms to introduce textural warmth and colour contrast against hardwood or stone flooring.

How do I care for old wool rugs?

Gentle, regular suction vacuuming without a rotating power brush prevents dust accumulation within the wool pile. Professional specialist cleaning is recommended to address deep dirt or spills safely. Avoid exposing the natural dyes to direct, continuous sunlight to prevent fading over extended periods. Using a quality underlay prevents slipping and reduces friction between the foundation and the floor.

What defines a tribal rug?

Tribal rugs originate from nomadic or semi-nomadic groups such as the Afshar, Qashqai, and Baluch rather than urban workshop centres. The designs rely on memory, local flora, and tribal symbolism rather than formal cartographic blueprints. This results in charming irregularities, asymmetric motifs, and robust, coarse wool structures built to withstand mobile lifestyles.

How can I tell regions apart?

Regional attribution relies on specific colour palettes, structural traits, and characteristic border motifs unique to particular weaving groups. For instance, Heriz pieces often display bold geometric corner spandrels, whereas Bidjar rugs are renowned for exceptionally dense, rigid foundations. Examining the weave type, knot count on the reverse, and edge finish provides further clues regarding provincial origin.